Beyond the Empyreal Stars

o9.

o9.

Padric thought it best to stay in their human clothing rather than changing into their respective Guardian and Agent uniforms. At first, Odette had to protest, thinking how she was always dressed respectfully when in conference with the Primes, but then thought more about why they should. If they were to see how they were acclimating, maybe they would take to heart what she was going to suggest in place of their plan.

"I've never been so nervous talking to them before," Nova commented as they sat in four chairs in front of the comm screen. "We've been on planet for far too long. These human emotions..."

"Calm down, would you?" Padric told her. "There's nothing wrong with being a little nervous. And don't go on about the human emotions. We have the same emotions being Terrian, only we know how to control them better."

"Do we know what's on the agenda?" Bas asked. "Besides the obvious, of course."

"I don't know. I haven't talked to them since you got here." He looked over at Odette, who was opening the vid feed to connect them with Terra. "I'm sure you're going to be doing most of the talking since you are the head of this assignment. But I've got to say, I think they'll be quite impressed with how close you've gotten to the First Family."

"We'll see," she mumbled, pressing a few more icons on the screen...and the vid feed was open. "Here we go..."

The screen flashed once before words scrolled across it.

"Evangeline," Odette spoke. "Connect us to the vid comm, please."

"Yes, Paragon," the AI answered. "Connecting to...Diana, Prime One...Terra...Vitrum...The Spire...The Gallery...Connected."

The Gallery back in the Spire instantly filled up the screen. There, right in the center, were the Primes, Diana, Hugo, and Salvatore. What they weren't expecting were the rest of the Guardians to be in their places behind them...along with the Agents. Padric mumbled a curse and Nova and Bas sucked in a breath, all of them straightening up. None of them were expecting everyone.

"Hello, Paragon," Diana greeted with a slight smile. "It has been a while since we have spoken."

"Too long, Prime One," Odette agreed, bowing her head in respect. "But it is wonderful to see you again."

"I trust we find you all well on Earth?"

"As well as we can be when not on Terra."

Diana smiled wider, nodding toward them. "I see the clothing you have chosen. It we have seen on many of the news feeds."

"We have to blend in, do we not?"

"I suppose so," she nodded.

"Forgive me for asking," Odette said before anything else was brought up. "But why are the rest of the Guardians and the Agents present for this meeting?"

Diana turned, gesturing to them all. "They were to hear of your progress one way or another, but straight from you would be better. And, when we arrive on Earth, many of them will be with us. Not to show power, but to show what Terra and, when the rulers of the rest of the races arrive, the Worlds Alliance has to offer."

The realization of what she had just said shook Odette to her core. Not just the Primes would be coming...but every leader of every race in the Alliance, save for Comae.

"Did I hear you correctly when you said...?"

"Every ruler of the Alliance races will come to Earth," Diana repeated more clearly. "This will not be until four days after our arrival. We will confer on the Bodtics' ship, just on the dark side of Earth's moon."